The European Union Bill 2010-11: Lords Committee and Report Stages

The European Union Bill went to the House of Lords on 10 March 2011 (HL Bill 55 2010-2011). It was debated in Committee for eight days and was sent unamended to the Lords as HL Bill 74 2010-2012 for Report Stage on 8, 13 and 15 June. The Lords 3rd Reading of the Bill was on 23 June and it returns to the Commons on 11 July 2011 (HL 209 2010-12).

The Lords amendments:

• reduced the compulsory requirement for referenda on 56 issues to three

• clarified the sovereignty clause

• introduced a 40% turnout threshold for a referendum to be binding

• passed a sunset clause that will require a future Parliament by positive resolution to revive the Bill.